Pakistan has emerged as a mediator between the United States and Iran by hosting their first direct talks aimed at ending a war that has claimed thousands of lives. The discussions are taking place in Islamabad, signaling a remarkable transformation for a country long associated with security concerns and economic instability. The talks mark a significant change in relations between Islamabad and Washington since Donald Trump’s first presidential term, when he had sharply criticized Pakistan. US Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner have arrived in Islamabad to participate in the negotiations. Vance is the highest-ranking US official to visit Pakistan since 2011. Analysts attribute this diplomatic breakthrough to a combination of geographic necessity, skilled diplomacy, and shifting regional alliances that have elevated Pakistan’s global standing. The discussions face complications over Iran’s frozen assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon. Ahead of the talks, Tehran issued a stern message, while the UN Secretary-General called on both sides to engage constructively.

An Iranian delegation comprising 71 members has arrived in Pakistan to participate in discussions with the United States, according to reports from Iranian and international media. The Tasnim News Agency stated that the delegation includes the main negotiation team as well as experts, media personnel, and members responsible for protocol and security. The talks are taking place in Islamabad. The discussions are reportedly focused on key issues such as Iran’s frozen assets and the ceasefire in Lebanon. Ahead of the talks, Tehran issued a firm message emphasizing its readiness and strong stance. The United Nations Secretary-General has also made an appeal to both the United States and Iran before the start of the negotiations. The outcome of these talks could influence regional stability and future diplomatic relations between Iran and the United States, though no details of progress or agreements have yet been disclosed.

A United States delegation is in Islamabad, Pakistan, for discussions with Iran aimed at achieving a ceasefire. Before the talks began, US President Donald Trump told reporters he had wished Vice President JD Vance good luck. Trump said he was unsure whether the discussions between the US and Iran would conclude in one round or continue in the coming days. When asked if there was an alternative plan, Trump replied that no backup plan was needed. He described a good deal with Iran as one that ensures there are no nuclear weapons. Trump also claimed that Iran’s governing system had already changed. He further stated that the Strait of Hormuz would be opened soon, regardless of Iran’s cooperation, though he added that the US did not need it. Responding to reports that Iran might impose tariffs on ships passing through the strait, Trump said the US would not allow that to happen.

Bangladesh will face New Zealand in a three-match One Day International series beginning on April 17, 2026, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirming that no changes have been made to the squad that recently defeated Pakistan 2–1. The new selection panel announced the team on Saturday for the first two matches, keeping faith in the same group of players. The selectors decided to retain the previous lineup as several players from the Pakistan series did not get a chance to play. Afif Hossain Dhruvo and Mahidul Islam Ankon, who were part of the earlier squad, have been included again, with the panel considering giving them more opportunities. The remaining two ODIs will be played on April 20 and 23. The unchanged squad includes Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hasan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, Liton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shariful Islam, and Nahid Rana.

Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid, Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, has urged people to refrain from spreading unverified information and rumors on social media. According to the Saudi Press Agency, he issued the warning during his Friday sermon on April 11, 2026. The Imam emphasized that those involved in creating or promoting rumors bear moral responsibility and advised worshippers to remain steadfast in their faith and avoid excessive preoccupation with worldly matters. He further stated that spreading false or misleading information harms both individuals and society and is considered sinful. The sermon highlighted the importance of truthfulness and integrity among Muslims. Saudi authorities have intensified such warnings amid ongoing regional tensions, stressing that spreading rumors that could undermine national security and stability is a serious offense. Official information indicates that those convicted of disseminating false information online may face up to five years in prison, fines of up to three million Saudi riyals, and confiscation of devices used in the offense. Authorities have urged the public to rely only on verified government sources for information.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a conservative Iranian politician with a military background, is leading Iran’s delegation in potential talks with the United States in Pakistan on Saturday. Before the discussions began, he expressed both optimism and distrust, citing past failures and breaches of commitments in previous negotiations. The semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported his remarks upon arrival in Islamabad. Born in 1961, Ghalibaf joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 1980 and served as a commander during the Iran-Iraq war. He later became Tehran’s longest-serving mayor, holding the position for 12 years from 2005, credited for infrastructure projects but also facing allegations of financial irregularities. Since May 2020, he has served as the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament. Ghalibaf has contested Iran’s presidential elections four times, finishing fourth in 2005, second in 2013, withdrawing in 2017, and placing third in the 2024 early election. Despite nationwide internet restrictions since February 28, his account on X (formerly Twitter) remains active.

An Iranian delegation currently in Pakistan for talks with the United States on ending the ongoing war has been named 'Minab 168'. The name commemorates a deadly attack on a primary school in Minab, where more than 168 students and teachers were killed. Iran says the delegation’s name symbolizes the suffering of civilians and the need to end the conflict. According to the report, Iran has faced continuous attacks for 40 days targeting civilians and infrastructure. The country accuses the United States and Israel of striking over 800 schools, more than 30 universities, health centers, and other facilities. By naming the delegation 'Minab 168', Iran aims to send a message to the United States and the international community about the human cost of the war. The report adds that the name also represents a diplomatic opportunity, reflecting Iran’s attempt to resolve the crisis through dialogue.

A report released by the Road Safety Foundation on Saturday revealed that 576 road accidents occurred across Bangladesh in March, resulting in 532 deaths and 2,221 injuries. Among the deceased were 66 women and 98 children. The report also documented 14 waterway accidents causing 12 deaths and 48 railway accidents leading to 67 deaths. The data was compiled from national and regional media sources along with the foundation’s own information. According to the analysis, most accidents occurred on regional and national highways, with 171 on national highways and 264 on regional roads. Motorcyclists accounted for the highest number of fatalities at 204, followed by passengers of three-wheelers and buses. Dhaka division recorded the highest number of deaths, while Sylhet had the lowest. The report noted that most crashes were caused by excessive speed and loss of vehicle control. The foundation identified faulty vehicles, poor road conditions, reckless driving, and driver incompetence as major causes. It recommended technological monitoring of speed and motivational training for drivers to reduce accidents.

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated that the outcome of the upcoming discussions in Islamabad will depend entirely on the priorities of the United States. He urged Washington to focus on an 'America First' policy rather than an 'Israel First' approach, according to Al Jazeera. Aref posted on X that if US representatives concentrate on their 'America First' interests, a mutually beneficial agreement could be achieved. He warned against any implementation of an 'Israel First' agenda, saying such a move would lead to a situation without an agreement and compel Iran to continue its defense efforts more vigorously than before. Aref further cautioned that such a scenario would impose a greater cost on the world. The Islamabad talks reportedly involve complex issues, including Iran’s assets and a Lebanon ceasefire, with the United Nations Secretary-General having made appeals to both the US and Iran before the discussions.

The United States and Iran are set to meet in Islamabad, Pakistan, to discuss a range of contentious issues including the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran has insisted that formal negotiations can only begin once Washington commits to lifting sanctions and supporting a ceasefire in Lebanon, where nearly two thousand people have been killed since fighting began in March. Iran seeks recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, including the right to collect transit fees and control access, while the US wants the waterway to remain open without restrictions or tolls. Washington has signaled interest in easing sanctions if Iran makes concessions on its nuclear and missile programs. Tehran, however, refuses to compromise on its missile arsenal and demands the withdrawal of US forces from the region. The talks are expected to be complex, with Iran also seeking compensation for wartime damages and a commitment to non-aggression. The United Nations Secretary-General has urged both sides to engage constructively before the Islamabad meeting.

A shocking incident occurred in Khudiram Sarkarpara of Goaland municipality, Rajbari, where a drug-addicted youth attacked his mother for refusing to give him money. The victim, 40-year-old Shikha Rani Ghosh, was severely injured and is now in critical condition at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The attack took place around 3 a.m. on April 10, when her son, 19-year-old Gobinda Ghosh, struck her repeatedly with a machete while she was asleep, severing her left ear and causing deep wounds to her head and neck. According to police and family sources, Shikha Rani had been living with her son at her parental home after her husband left her about 20 years ago. Gobinda had become addicted to drugs and frequently quarreled with his mother over money. After the attack, neighbors rescued the injured woman and took her to several hospitals before she was transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment. Local residents detained Gobinda inside the house and alerted police. Officers from Goaland Ghat Police Station arrested him and seized the blood-stained machete and other evidence. A case has been filed by the victim’s mother, Usha Rani Ghosh, and the accused has been sent to Rajbari court.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran is participating in ongoing discussions with the United States under conditions of deep distrust. He clarified Tehran’s stance during a telephone conversation with German Foreign Minister Johann Wedfull, according to Iran’s Mehr News Agency. Araghchi said Washington’s repeated diplomatic betrayals and broken promises have left no room for trust. He emphasized that Iran remains highly skeptical because of the United States’ history of violating diplomatic norms, but vowed to continue defending the rights and interests of the Iranian people. The upcoming peace talks are scheduled to take place in Islamabad, with mediation from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey. Analysts cited in the report suggested that Araghchi’s remarks may be intended to increase pressure on the United States ahead of the negotiations, which will be led on the U.S. side by Vice President J.D. Vance. Observers are watching to see how Iran’s message of distrust will affect the peace process.

An Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, according to semi-official news agency Tasnim. The delegation, which arrived early Saturday, included Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the secretary of the Defense Council, the governor of the Central Bank of Iran, and several lawmakers. The meeting took place as U.S. Vice President JD Vance was also in Islamabad leading an American delegation. Reports indicated that the discussions in Islamabad were complex, with key issues involving Iran’s assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon. Ahead of the talks, Tehran issued a firm message emphasizing its readiness to respond strongly if provoked. The developments come amid heightened diplomatic activity involving Iran, Pakistan, and the United States, with the United Nations Secretary-General previously calling on both Washington and Tehran to engage in dialogue.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) recovered five anti-personnel landmines and various explosive materials near the Naikhongchhari border in Cox’s Bazar. The operation was conducted on April 9 by a patrol team from the Targupara Border Outpost under the 11 BGB Battalion. The recovered items included five suspected improvised explosive devices, a metal detector, a solar panel, dry food, mobile phones, power banks, and civilian clothing. The discovery was made between border pillars 53 and 54 near the zero line. BGB’s Ramu Sector confirmed the recovery in a briefing on April 10, led by Lieutenant Colonel Fayezul Kabir. The explosives were secured with sandbags and marked with red flags. For public safety, vehicle movement in the area was temporarily suspended, and additional patrols were deployed. A general diary was filed at Naikhongchhari Police Station, and coordination was initiated to deploy an army bomb disposal team. In a separate operation the same day, the 34 BGB Battalion recovered flammable chemicals from the Baishfari area. BGB stated that intelligence surveillance and coordinated security measures have been intensified to prevent sabotage and ensure border safety.

For the first time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the United States and Iran are set to hold high-level diplomatic talks. The historic meeting is taking place this afternoon in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking the first formal face-to-face dialogue between the two nations since the 2015 nuclear agreement. Relations had sharply deteriorated after the U.S. withdrawal from that deal in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump. The U.S. delegation, led by Vice President J.D. Vance and including Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, arrived in Islamabad on Saturday morning. They were received by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Army Chief General Asim Munir. Pakistan’s foreign ministry expressed hope that both sides would engage constructively and reiterated its willingness to mediate for a lasting resolution. The meeting follows six weeks of war between Iran and the United States, triggered by a joint U.S.-Israeli strike that killed Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Analysts view the Islamabad talks as a decisive moment that could determine whether the conflict ends and the Strait of Hormuz reopens.